We Shine Brighter Together at RTR…

Combining over 110 years of Reform Judaism in Rockland County, Temple Beth El (Spring Valley) and Temple Beth Torah (Nyack) merged to create an even brighter entity, The Reform Temple of Rockland (RTR). Everyone comes together here – interfaith couples, LGBTQ families, the young and the not-so-young – to create our warm Jewish community. Our Worship is enriched with a love of music, filled with our gifted Cantor’s voice, our choir, and our Chai Life Rock Shabbat band. Toe tapping and hand clapping are encouraged! See for yourself why so many find our family-friendly Friday night services or educational programming so inspiring, or why our B’nei Mitzvah are just beginning their journeys, not ending them. Each of us is a Jewish light but together, we all shine brighter. Don’t wait for a holiday to drop by. Our caring clergy and congregation look forward to meeting you!

WalkingTOur of Jewish Colonial ManhattenNo Link8.8.24

Israel Resources

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

Jewish Pride + Jewish Community = Strong Jewish Future

Jewish Pride + Jewish Community = Strong Jewish Future jemerman August 23, 2024

Summer Youth Experiences

Photo of Rabbi Burkeman and his family at Crane Lake Camp leading Handallah

In North America, our community has been dealing with rising levels of antisemitism and fears about being attacked for the crime of being Jewish. It was against this backdrop that I arrived in the safe haven that is URJ's Crane Lake Camp.

Why is Jewish Summer Camp Important?

Why is Jewish Summer Camp Important? jemerman August 21, 2024

Summer Youth Experiences

Jewish summer camps provide children the opportunity to immerse themselves in Jewish culture, engage in ritual and education, challenge themselves physically and spiritually, and prepare to be leaders in and out of the Jewish community.

Hope and Pride in Be’er Sheva

Hope and Pride in Be’er Sheva jemerman August 21, 2024

Israel

During Pride Month, I participated in a leaders' trip to Israel through A Wider Bridge, an organization dedicated to connecting LGBTQ+ people in North America and Israel. Around Israel, pride events this year focused on calls to free the hostages, support the hundreds of thousands of displaced people, and reach a meaningful ceasefire.

From Teacher to Student: A B'Nai Mitzvah Comedy

From Teacher to Student: A B'Nai Mitzvah Comedy jemerman August 16, 2024

Arts and Culture

Photo of Carol Kane and Jason Schwartzman in a scene from the film "Between the Temples"

"Between the Temples," a new film directed by Nathan Silver, is a coming-of-age tale that shows people in any stage of life can rediscover innocence and wonder.